The Way of Life for the Vodouisant
08 February, 2010 by Florence
1-In the practice of his faith, the Vodouisant often feels restrained by fear of being criticized by others. He does not feel free to identify with or to defend his faith.
2- In his journey and in his desire to escape the oppressive reaction of others, he speaks instead of “Mouvement Racine,” Roots Movement, or “Ginen,” in lieu of using the term ‘Vodou.’
3- This is the way he believes that he will be accepted by all.
4- Certainly, he is accepted, and such descriptions are widely understood, but while he is pretending to live a different faith, deep down inside, he is a true Vodouisant.
5- Even though some instances of injustice or glaring poverty are being blamed on the practice of Vodou by those seeking justice or those trying to use the forces of nature for a better way of life; even though certain practices may seem to be repulsive, these reasons are not sufficient enough to reject everything about Vodou altogether.
6- Furthermore, magic is not a privilege granted to Vodou alone.
7- All peoples through time have sought to master or understand the laws of nature, studying their characteristics in order to take control of natural forces.
8- Knowledge of the laws of nature is a good thing and is one of the few privileges and rights granted to human beings. We can only condemn the improper use we make of it.
9-If an individual in fact uses this knowledge as an instrument of evil, for example, by destroying or harming his brother, we can attribute this disgusting act only to this particular individual. As a general rule, Vodou remains a moral practice, a map of the cardinal virtues of Fairness, Goodness and Truth.
10- This is one of the reasons that it is imperative for the Vodouisant to proclaim the love of OLOHOUM.
11- The spirit of love lives in the Vodouisant, and it is a mistake for anyone not to embrace the hand the Vodouisant is extending.
12- He has the wisdom to understand that it is only ignorance that makes him appear “odious” in the eyes of others.
13- The Vodouisant is moved by the spirit of tolerance, which helps him to understand difference, to respect that difference, and to seek peaceful coexistence.
14- He also understands that the salvation of Haiti and the world depends on full and mutual respect between and among people of different schools of faith, and he especially understands the necessity of interreligious dialogue.
15- The Vodouisant is a person of faith who believes in a true monotheism. He recognizes and acknowledges the loas and spirits as intermediaries.
16- He accepts the existence of the visible and the invisible.
17- He believes that what he does not see does exist, and he is in full compliance with the laws of nature. He finds his strength and his faith in the love of OLOHOUM.
18- All of his actions are the manifestation of the grace and blessings that inspire him, and his intelligence helps him to receive that grace through the full understanding he has of accomplishing his charismatic mission.
19- The spirit dwelling in him makes him a superior human being detached from the scourge of the world.
20- He always bears with calm and serenity any and all insults of others while remaining helpful and useful to them in their distress, without reminding them of their past insults.
21- Vodou is eminently moral and purifies itself daily.
22- Vodou evolves into its true goal of a religion in which the believer surrenders to the Strength and Omnipotence of OLOHOUM.
23- In the strength of this creed lies our justification to proclaim and announce to people of great virtue and good will that OLOHOUM is good, OLOHOUM is great.
24- Henceforth, young and old, people of all ages, will all now live in love and will know peace.
25- The Vodouisant vibrates to the love of OLOHOUM and transmits the faith and apostolic teaching seamlessly and flawlessly.
26- OLOHOUM is great.
27- It is important for the Vodouisant to live a disciplined life where he cultivates his faith through harmonious relationships with his brothers and sisters; where all are working on mutual self-accomplishment; to develop the earth so that it can bear fruit for all its inhabitants; to deny no one the privilege to live in faith, with the belief in eternal life; and to adhere to the principles and the laws of OLOHOUM who requires that every one walks valiantly on the road of love and respect, tolerance and the overall desire of fulfillment for himself as well as for others.
28- OLOHOUM is a great teacher; He teaches us the way forward and invites us always to improve; He gives us sufficient grace to acquire Knowledge, Truth and Light.
29- There is no one greater and better than He (Olohoum), and the whole earth will dance with joy at the sight of the elected and chosen people, who will glorify Him, honor Him and make the land of Haiti and any other land, wherever a Vodouisant lives, a haven of peace, a sanctuary in which to worship OLOHOUM.
30- All of the doctrines and all of the teachings are summarized in the Crown of Light.
31-They are true teachings.
32- It is the sign by which a Vodouisant recognizes himself.
33-The Crown of Light is the sign by which Vodouisants recognize each other.
34- It is an educational tool by which different minds of different nations come together through prayer, which is the most powerful religious act.
35- The Crown of Light incorporates all of the teachings and constitutes a synthesis of the entire doctrine of the Vodou faith and allows everyone to express his faith through actions that are simple and pious, while fundamentally living and moving forward towards the Light that is OLOHOUM.
36- It is not a talisman, but a simple tool which the Vodouisant uses or can use as a connection to the Creator.
37- Piety is a part of the act of faith, and the Crown of Light promotes this act.
38- To better understand this, let us make the configuration of the Crown of Light.
39- Let us remember that Haiti is an amalgamation of tribes or nations.
40- Different traditions have been established on the island, and those legacies are still very strong all over the Republic of Haiti.
41- There is a prevalent and strong belief that twenty one nations have shared and are sharing the land.
42- The Crown of Light is composed of twenty one diamonds representing the twenty one nations which are referred to in the various mysteries that the believer needs to know, learn and master.
43- These twenty one nations are regrouped in seven portions of three units each to incorporate the mystery of the seven days that make up one week.
44- In the Vodou system, every day is devoted to a mystery.
45- A day is comprised of and represents both the day and the night. For example, Monday is Sunday from 12:00 midnight through Monday 12:00 midnight, a full day:
Monday, All Souls' Day.
Tuesday, Women’s Day.
Wednesday, Day of Strength and Power.
Thursday, Day of Purification.
Friday, Earth Day.
Saturday, Day of Trade and Business.
Sunday, Day of Celebration, Adoration and Rest.
46- As we consider the mystery of each day, each one is in accordance with and is referred to as diamonds.
47- Monday—All Souls' Day.
Diamond 1: Even in death and through death, we shall live in what we believe.
Diamond 2: To continue to live, we must respect all the laws of nature.
Diamond 3: OLOHOUM, may you give us strength and intelligence to help us better understand your will. We pray for all those who have departed before us and have transitioned so that they may return to you.
48- Tuesday—Women’s Day.
Diamond 1: OLOHOUM, you have given us the woman as mother. She is the earth. In it, everything takes shape and is brought to life by the power of your will. Grant us the disposition, incentive and ability to honor her and respect her for what she represents in your eyes and in ours.
Diamond 2: OLOHOUM, you have filled the woman with love that is the consolation of all children. Grant us the understanding of our obligation to preserve every woman from any suffering, poverty, humiliation and tyrannies so that your power can burst forth and fill the earth.
Diamond 3: OLOHOUM, we pray that by your grace each and every woman remains moral, because she is the guardian of this earth, the guide of the husband, the educator of the children. Thus the earth will become a pleasant place for all, for your glory and praise.
49-Wednesday—Day of Strength and Power.
Diamond 1: OLOHOUM, in you resides power. Grant us your grace so that we shall strive and work toward the pure transformation of the earth into a delightful place for all who inhabitant it.
Diamond 2: OLOHOUM, grant us your Light, and we shall see and make what is good for us on earth, to combine our strength and make your power burst forth everywhere.
Diamond 3: OLOHOUM, make us brave and strong, and grant us good health so that we are able to meet our obligations. Fortify our arms, strengthen our backs so we can fulfill all of the missions you entrust to us.
50-Thursday—Day of Purification.
Diamond 1: OLOHOUM, you are the only judge of what is right and wrong. Do not judge us for our mistakes, give us the wisdom not to condemn our brothers who trespass against us, or harm us by any means, even those who might have offended us.
Diamond 2: Our spirits are troubled, we are not at peace with ourselves when we are the cause of suffering to others. OLOHOUM, we bow down and profoundly regret our offenses and wrongful actions. Grant us enough love and courage to repair the wrong that we have caused others and to amend our life accordingly.
Diamond 3: OLOHOUM, we are heartily sorry for our acts of selfishness, we are covered with shame when our actions take us away from you. Grant us the intelligence to do everything in our power to overcome ignorance and enter Light.
51-Friday—Earth Day.
Diamond 1: OLOHOUM, you are master of the earth, send us grace and intelligence to help us work the land, respect it, enjoy it while sharing and living in conviviality. Grant that the land produces adequate food to feed everyone.
Diamond 2: OLOHOUM, you are master of the earth, master of water, master of fire, master of the wind. Through your will, we shall take dominion over the elements. Grant us the keys to the mysteries which govern all aspects of the elements so that we may better control and use them for your happiness and your praise.
Diamond 3: OLOHOUM, may thy rays of Light walk through the earth to purify it, fertilize it and everything we have planted will grow, blossom and give fruit. This is the joy of all your children. On the day of harvest, they will bless thy name.
52-Saturday—Trade and Business Day.
Diamond 1: OLOHOUM, we bring the harvest to the market. Let all those who were not in the fields have the means to buy what they need. Grant that all the traders sell their products, do not allow their merchandise to be lost through our fault or that of another.
Diamond 2: OLOHOUM, grant that all your children become rich, very rich, rich in happiness, rich in love for one another, rich in peace. Grant them good health so that they enjoy at any and all times all that you give them today and tomorrow.
Diamond 3: OLOHOUM, may all your children, inspite of their material wealth which you bestow upon them, recognize and acknowledge that the greatest asset and wealth is you. May they seek you with the same enthusiasm and energy that they use in their search for material wealth.
53-Sunday—Day of Celebration, Adoration and Rest.
Diamond 1: OLOHOUM, after the difficulties of the week, grant us the spirit of peace to be able to meditate on your presence in our lives.
Diamond 2: OLOHOUM, we are all gathered to celebrate the love which you grant to us, grant that we may share, support and visit our brothers in trouble and in need. That we bring comfort and joy to those in prisons or in hospitals.
Diamond 3: OLOHOUM, cover us with your Light so that we live our lives in accordance with your will.
Ayibobo! Ayibobo! Ayibobo!
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